Hiking the Brecon Beacons

So after moving house I'm off up the Brecon's with a 80lb bergen on my back. I'm carrying everything I need for a two night hike across the hills. The weekend was great, I got some nasty blisters because I borrowed Tom's old boots. We went on the SAS training route apparently. These guys run it in about 3 hours.. Madness. As you can see from the pic it was no small hill and with the added weight and beautiful weather it made the whole thing pretty tough.

We went up Pen Y Fan which is just under 3000 metres. The view was amazing and well worth all the blisters. We camped out in a forest of the first night at which point I decided to eat as much of my food and water to lessen the bergen weight the next day.

On day 2 it was much colder and me being me decided to wear shorts. The other lads were in full winter gear which did look nice. I moaned a bit, in fact a lot about how cold I was and my feet hurt. I love a good moan..

 As you can see from the pic I managed to borrow Tom's jacket (Yes I did bring some of my own things) which helped keep the cold out. My quad muscle hurt a lot that weekend. I went through a lot of Voltarol and ibuprofen to help manage the pain. I also bought one of those leg straps which seemed to help. I think my mind is strong but my body is starting to suffer from what I have put it through over the last few months..

As we walked out of the Brecons back into civilisations I felt an enormous sense of achievement. We had covered 20 miles in two days and my feet knew that. The last couple of miles killed and each footstep was a burning pain as my blisters hit the floor. We got to the pub and had some well earned drinks. That is when beer tastes the best! In the evening we went out for more beers and food. One more night sleeping in the tents (-4 apparently) and we went home. I was quite stiff but had to get back to pack ready for 5 days in Cornwall.. I was taking my running gear and bike so was planning some testing routes..

One busy week

So in the lead up to our house move I was getting anxious that I may not be able to fit in as many exercises.. As mentioned before I plan my whole week out and work out when I will be able to fit in a swim, run or cycle. Having the static bike helps enormously as I can squeeze in a quick 30 mins on the bike regardless of the weather..

This week is going to be very busy.

Monday - Marie and I are off to a hotel in Oxfordshire (pressie from my Dad) 
Tuesday - Back from hotel and pack remaining house
Wednesday - Full day of packing
Thursday - Move house.
Friday  - Early start and off 3 day hiking in the Brecon Beacons for friends stag do.

So squeezing in exercise is going to be tricky, none the less I'll do something.

Monday - I knock out 12.5k on the static bike and then go out for a 6k run. Marie and I take it in turns as we have the kids and Mare's Mum is coming over to look after the whilst were away. I had to get something in today as the plan is to go out and have a few drinks and a nice meal in the evening. Lots of calories..

Tuesday - We get back from a lovely stay at the Beetle & Wedge and pack our remaining clothes. I'm thinking I may jump on the static but Marie is feeling a little rough from the night before so when she has a snooze I jump on my hybrid bike and smash 28k in just over an hour. Almost beat my PB of 20k but I had to stop at the traffic lights.

Wednesday - I get up at 6am and to pack up the remainder of the house. I want to do a run but I will see how I go. The final packing takes most of the day, I decide to get on the static bike and knock out 20k. I wanted to do a swim tonight but my whole body aches from packing up.

Thursday - House move day so I decide that is exercise enough and take a day off

Friday - Brecon Beacon hike (Again enough exercise in that..)

The above is proof that no matter how busy you think you are there is always time to squeeze in training/exercise.

Let's try a swim and a run..

So it's Sunday and I have been planning doing a 1 mile swim followed by a 7k run this week. I'm a bit nervous as my legs feel like jelly after I get out of the pool swimming that sort of distance.
It's Daylight savings as well so I have lost an hour. Means I get up at 6am which is really 5am ready for the swim at 7am. I give my Dad a quick text as I know he is down and see if he would like to come to the pool. He happily agrees so I swing by and pick him up.
I jump in and push off with my 64 lengths. It goes really well and it feels much better swimming in the morning. Dad does quite a few lengths but as I hit 50 he is getting out. I stop quickly to arrange when I will be back after my run. He commends me on my fitness and says I have a good stroke. This gives me a boost and also means a lot as my Dad was and still is a powerful swimmer. When he was in the Navy he swam around the Rock of Gibraltar which is about 5-6 miles I think. Maybe more.

Once the swim is over I rush to get out and get in my running gear. I bypass the shower and quickly stick on my running gear. It takes me about 3-4 mins to get changed and I get outside. It's nice and cold which is lovely as I'm still sweating from the swim. I push off and notice my legs are a little jelly like. Totally different feeling to that of what I feel like after a big bike ride. I suppose it's because I'm using different muscles.
I don't know Tadley very well but have an idea of where I'm going to run. I turn on the voice on Endomondo so I can hear my lap times and also get an idea of how far I have done. It's a beautiful blue sky morning and I really enjoy running round Tadley looking at the different houses.. I get to the 5k running past the main Atomic Weapons Establishment gate. I know my way back from here so cut down through Tadley. I get back to the car having ran 7.2k in 37 mins. Really happy with that considering I had just swam a mile. Think I'll do more of that!

100 lengths

So it's Thursday night and I'm back in the pool. I did 96 lengths on Monday. I'm on my own as Darran is on holiday.. I squeeze in a quick 10k on the static bike before I leave. Have a good sized meal of pasta and chicken and make my way to the pool. I arrive 10 mins early knowing I need to be in the pool and swimming for 21.00 if I want to get to the 100 lengths. I know I can do it but I feel a sense of dread knowing that it's going to take a long time.

I wont bore you with the ins and outs of how I got there but I made it to 100. It took me 58 minutes to swim which was 8 mins longer than on the Monday swimming just 4 lengths less. I was feeling quite sore a few days later but it was good. I love swimming and am now looking at potential competitions I could enter.. Can't wait to get into the lake when it warms up and do some open water swimming.

How far can I swim?

I am now swimming twice a week. I have joined the pool (£16 per month) and know I have to go twice a week to make it worthwhile.
I get to the pool tonight and it's very quiet.. I have been thinking about increasing my distance. I would love to do 1.5 miles which is 96 lengths. Going by my previous times this will take my just under a hour and considering I only have a swim window of an hour I would have to be very efficient once in the pool.

I swim off and as usual it takes me 10-15 lengths to get my breathing right. A few more join the lane but soon leave as they are casual swimmers. I get to the 50 mark and feel pretty good. I push on and make 64 with no bother.. Onwards up to 80 and now my arms are beginning to ache. I lose count a few times so instead of going up I deduct one. As I reach the 96 I feel delighted with myself. My fitness has proven itself again. Now I wonder if I can do 100? :-)

I think I'm addicted..

So the last few days have been jammed packed with all the disciplines needed for the Tri. On Saturday I went out with my mate Tom and we did a 26k bike ride and then a run. This was Tom's first try at double exercise and he handled it pretty well. The cycle was really nice and took us out past Bramley with a return route through Chineham. 

26k round Bramley

We completed in a hour and 10. Not very fast but not bad. Had to stop a few times as Tom mastered drinking and riding. He hasn't been on his bike for long so I think his confidence needs to grow. We got back and transitioned ready for the run. We set off round Winklebury for a 5k jog. Went really well and I felt great. As we approaced the 4k mark Tom started to suffer a bit. He was getting pain in his leg and eventually we had to stop as he stretched it out. I don't think he had ever got cramp before so he was a little upset. We walked for a bit and then he managed to jog the rest of the way. Once completed he loved it, I think he was suffering (like me on my first) but he felt an amazing sense of accomplishment. He was already planning the next one with me.. :-)

When I got home I had some time to kill, knowing I was taking Marie out for dinner I fancied a bit more on the bike. I jumped on the static and knocked out 10k more. That will do I thought.. I think I'm becoming addicted to the feeling the exercise is giving me.. I am very focused at the moment on getting my body fit. I think as the need for the weight loss is nearly over I keep wanting to see how far I can push myself.. This is the fittest I have been in my life and I am loving it right now. I have the house move coming up next week so I suspect I will have less time to train which depresses me a bit.. I plan a week ahead now of when I can fit in training..

So the next morning I take Marie out on a 16k bike ride that takes in Farleigh Wallop hill. It was the same route I took Mark on a few weeks prior. She is a little hungover from the night before so the first 10 mins take their toll on her. As we approach the hill I cycle on at my pace and tell her to keep cycling and not stop. Once I reach the top I wait for Marie. Five mins later she comes round the corner, she did it! She managed to get up the hill without stopping. We continue on for the rest of the ride.. Felt great and almost got rid of the hangovers..

I went for my Monday night swim last night. I went on the static before I went out to loosen up my legs. My right quad muscle is still aching.. I keep doing daily stretches which seem to help. I get to the pool at 21.00 and the water aerobics is still going. I really wanted the full hour to see if I can get to 1.5 miles.. They finally clear out and after the floor is lowered I push off. 21.08.. Here I go.. The first 20 are nice. I have the whole lane to myself.. I hit 30 and another swimmer joins me.. He is OK speed. I catch him up within about 10 lengths and he lets me go through. As I hit 50 I feel good. My goggles are much better now and don't hurt. They let a little bit of water in but it doesn't affect my swim.
I reach 66 and think only 30 more to go.. That is a lot though. I count my strokes between lengths (something to do). I'm doing 30 strokes for every length. I decided to work out how many that would be over 96 lengths.  2880 strokes of my arms to complete 1.5 miles.. If I keep this up I reckon I should see results on my shoulders and arms soon..

So I break down the last 30 needed in to 3 sets of 10. It makes it easier to count and also doesn't seem so daunting. I go past my previous PB of 84 lengths and look at the clock. 21.50.. Come one James the pool closes in 10 mins. Amazingly I manage to speed up and come in on 96 lengths at exactly 50 mins. So happy. What an achievement. Only been swimming 10 sessions now and I have managed to get up to swimming a mile and a half in less than an hour.. That has to be good? This is what pushes me on. The realisation that I can achieve goals that I would never of thought I could. I plan to try a swim and run on Sunday.. Heard they are pretty hard as all the blood goes to your arms and head as you swim and when you get out your legs are like jelly.. I will do about 50 lengths I think and then get out and run 5k round Tadley..

Swimming like a dolphin...

I went for my swim last night. I was a bit late so I rushed through. Felt ready for it. Had a nice high carb dinner and showered down ready for a long swim. Fast lane had about four people doing slow breaststroke.. Come on guys move over. Brimming with confidence I jump in and push off "fast". I soon catch up with the first slow coach.. I brush my fingers on his feet, he quickly looked round and knew I was on him. By the time he reached the end he let me go through. I nodded my appreciation. Within two lengths another slow one was in the way. I used the same technique and they quickly moved. This went on for about 20 lengths and they all decided to get out. Good, I'm glad. I'm not being a big head but there are three lanes for different speeds. Not one of these swimmers was fast. I know when I arrive I quickly assess the speed of the swimmers in the fast lane. If they look similar I join, if faster I downgrade myself to the medium lane. I think some people like to think they are quicker than they actually are.

Anyway I reached 40 lengths and felt good. I was really focusing on my stroke, my right arm is strong and makes loads of bubbles as I pull through the water. The left arm is weaker and makes little effort. So I made sure when I took a breath my left arm goes in and I focus on pushing it hard through the water. I also really need to kick more. I do kick but not hard enough. All these improvements will speed me up. So I did 30 lengths in 14 mins. May of been less. I need to get a waterproof watch to do some proper timings. I then pushed on and finished the mile in 32 mins. I wanted to go for a record so I carried on. No breaks so far. My arms were aching but I wanted to see how far I could swim. I stopped at 45 mins of non-stop swimming and had done 84 lengths. So amazed with my improvement. I struggled to do 20 lengths at the start. I felt great after and had to make myself get out of the pool. Next time I want to hit 96. That is 1.5 miles. I really need a good hour to get that done and also a quiet night. Monday night it is!

Weigh in this morning and I was shocked to see that I have lost yet another 2lbs. Quite taken back by the loss.. That is 13lbs in 7 weeks. I reckon I will hit the stone mark by next week.

Planning a big cycle and run with my mate Tom tomorrow, he may not come on the cycle if it rains.. I will still go!

Intensifying the training...

No I haven't done all three in one go yet.. Will be trying that next month but over the last few days I have done them all. The swim on Monday was great. It was very quiet and I had the whole lane to muself. Managed to do 20 lengths without even thinking about it. Got to 50 comfortably and decided to push onto 64. Had a quick rest and then did 6 more allowing me to reach an all time high of 70 lengths. It took me 42 mins and the only reason I stopped was because the pool was closing. Going tonight so will aim for the 64 again but plan to speed it up. Was watching professional athletes on TV last night doing the triathlon. What I did notice was how good their stroke was. It was perfect everytime. Need to work on that. What was encouraging was some of the guys were taking a breath every two strokes and not three like I've been told I should do.. Each to their own I suppose.

The next day I did my cycle and run. Decided to do the same as last week but in the different direction. This made it much easier as I didn't have to battle the one way traffic system through town. Within five mins I was out in the countryside. As I approached the Mapledurwell turn I missed it and carried on for a kilometre. I then realised and turned round. The rest of the cycle was great and I knew I was making good time. Completed in 1 hour dead and the distance was 24.67k (15.4 miles). This was an improvment for me and I got a new PB for my 1 hour distance. Got off the bike and ran my usual 6k route. Found it really tough going. Didn't want to continue but I pushed through the fatigue and finsihed in a slow 31 mins. Still that would of been 26 mins for the 5k so not too bad. All in all a very good few days of exercise.. Off for a swim tonight and then weigh in tomorrow. :-)

A run with Molly

So I have been chatting with Molly for a few weeks about taking her for a small run. The weather looks lovely on Sunday so we decide we will all go up the memorial park and take it in turns running round.

We get there and I explain the route to Molly. She is very excited to get going. I teach her about pacing the run and breathing steadily. I plan on taking us one kilometre round the park. Shouldn't be too hard for Molly but we will see.

We kick off and she is doing really well. We get to 500 metres and she is starting to puff a bit but I tell her to pace it out and breathe easy. As we approach the 1k she is red cheeked but seems to be handling it well. I suggest we push on and maybe go for the 1.6k which is a mile. She agrees and we push on. The last bit is all up hill and I reckon had it been more flat Molly would of reached the one mile. We stopped 100 metres short but I was very proud she made it that far. I said "Next time we will reach the mile.." To which she nodded. You could see how happy she was and proud that she managed to run that far.
I'm going to try and encourage more of that, I would love to see my kids being more active. Molly is like me and very competitive. She was already asking me how quickly I can run certain distances.

After this I wanted to see how quick I could run the 2k loop in. I ran about six weeks ago in a time of 10.30.  I set off and start at a good pace. I know I have the uphill bit at the end but I proper leg it any case. I glance down at my watch and see I'm making a good time. This pushes me on even more and I complete the 2k in 8 mins 32 seconds. Wow.. That is two minutes off my time six weeks prior. I also notch up a new PB for the mile in 6 mins 31s. Be nice if  could keep that pace up.. That's what I will aim for by September. Means I will be able to do the 5k in under 20 mins..

I've done a Triathlon in 24 hours!

So after last nights 64 lengths I decided I would take a half day and try for the other two stages today.

I map the original 23k route which takes me out towards Hook and swinging back round via Mapledurwell. This was the one where I got a flat.. I'm kitted out now but really don't want to be stopping today.

Marie has to go to our friends kids party so the plan is to complete the cycle and then run over to their house which is about 6k from ours. All sounds good.

23k cycle route

Kick off and the slow start through town annoys me but I'm soon out towards Old Basing and my mind starts thinking about getting a puncture.. All looks good and I'm making good pace. Hitting 10k and it's taken me 26 mins. The route up towards Newnham is nice, lots of downhills and then a long winding up hill which I attack well. My fitness is improving greatly. I think the sessions on the static bike are paying off.
I cross the A30 (scary stuff) and continue towards Mapledurwell. Been studying the route and was nervous I may get lost but as I approach the turns my bearings kick in.. A long hill that takes me down to about 9kph takes me back towards Basingstoke. I complete the cycle in 56mins which is OK.. I want to do that in 45 mins so I reckon without the slow Town start I can shave minutes off.

I chuck my bike in the garage and set off towards Winklebury. He lives up on a new estate near the Hospital. I decide to run down by the Bowling alley and cut up through. Up to that point it was going well. Then I had about 3k of uphill running. I was proper panting and swinging my head but determined not to stop. I make it in a slow time of 35 mins for 6.3k.. Still not bad after doing the full cycle route.

6.3k run

After all of this I have decided that I will probably do an earlier Triathlon than the one in September. I just can't wait that long now to get it done. I have looked at the Blenheim Tri and its on June 10th. I'm going to wait to the end of this month and look to book it up. Good news is that it's one of the easiest Triathlons as the whole thing is contained within the grounds of Blenheim Palace and also the bike route is 3k less than the Reading one.. Watch this space.

Swim and weigh in

Swimming tonight and I have decided I will join the pool at Tadley. Only £16 per month which means I just need to swim more than 5 times per month to get my moneys worth.
I turn up 20 mins earlier (20.40) and the lady at the desk panics as she has never done a membership. Fifteen minutes later and I'm still still there. I suggest I'll go for a swim and complete the registration after my swim.

I get ready and jump in the pool. I have on my new goggles that my lovely wife bought me (see pic) and I jump in. Instantly I notice how much better these goggles are. I can hardly feel them on. I do notice a little water seeping in after a few lengths so think I may need to adjust a bit more. As I reach 10 lengths I see the manager waving at me. I reluctantly pull up and he ask me my bank account number for the direct debit setup. This is for an account I don't use much and I can't remember. I say I need to carry on and will tell you at the end of my swim. I crack on and feel annoyed I have been stopped so early on. The fast lane is very fast tonight. I share it with three very strong swimmers. This pushes me a lot more as I'm conscious of them creeping up on me. I crack on and hit 30 comfortably. I do 10 more and then move into the next lane as it just has one swimmer. Its getting late now (21.40) so I decide I will just do 50 tonight. Once I get to 50 I think I can do a few more. I try swimming a length under water. Get about 70% of the way and my lungs give in. Will work on that!

So I'm on 54 and I think only 10 more and you have done a mile. I check the clock. The pool closes in 10 mins. I can do it in 5. I push on and reach 64 (1 mile). Very happy with that effort. So after all that when I get back to the reception the system has crashed and they cannot setup my membership. He tells me to come back the next day.. I will come back next week. Plan to swim twice a week. Swimming is one of those exercises I personally dread but absolutely love it when I'm there. I have no muscle ache the next day like I do with running or cycling. (Am I pushing myself hard enough?)

So the next morning I weigh in. Not feeling very confident this week for some reason. Think I have worked out less than previous weeks.. I jump on and amazingly I have lost another kilo. That's 2lbs. I'm now 12st 8lbs. I have lost 11lbs in 6 weeks. Almost on course for 2lbs per week. (My original target). What's more is I'm only 8lbs off my goal weight. My BMI has gone down and I find out once at 12st I will be in the "Healthy" category for my weight/height/age. Amazingly I can go down to 10st and it still classes me as healthy. I can only imagine how scrawny I would look at 10st!!

Running cold

So I need to get out running tonight. I get home and quickly change.. I'm concerned I haven't run cold like this much and worry I may get an injury. I do a few stretches (probably not enough) and set off. I've been thinking on the way home I may push the distance.. I have been doing 6k for the last 6 weeks and know I can do that in 28 mins. I always said I would not push the distance too far as I only have to do 5k on the day and that is exactly what caused my achilles tendonitus last year when I quickly increased my distance to 10k runs.
I set off and feel good. The weather is pretty cold and I'm thinking shorts and short sleeve top may not of been the best choice. I soon warm up and reach the halfway mark in good time.. As I approach the 5k which is mainly uphill my achilles aches a bit.. Hope it's not starting again and I think it might be best to stick with the normal 6k.
As ever my mind pushes me on and I reach the last 500m and decide to run off a different way. This new way is mostly uphill and it takes more of a strain on my calves.. I reach the end and clock in at 7k in a time of 34.21. Not brilliant but I think the GPS was a little out and the distance was further. Not going to worry about it as was just happy to run a little bit further..
Planning a proper bike and run for Friday.. I'm fully ready now and have all the spare inner tubes so no worries about punctures this time!

Cycle & Run with my brother

So I managed to get my brother to come out on the cycle with me. I mapped a 16k one which took in Farleigh hill. Couldn't convince him to come on the run with me.. Give it time!

So the cycle started well, Mark came along with Julie's brother Mark. They were both on mountain bikes. They had cycled a couple of miles so they were nicely warmed up.

My bike felt so much better since the freewheel had been greased up. No slipping of gears anymore..

We all started well but within 5 mins I had built up quite a lead. I wasn't racing too fast but it was clear my bike was better for the roads than their mountain bikes. As we approached Farleigh Wallop Hill I warned the lads to keep pedalling.. "Don't stop" I shouted.. The hill climbs for about 2k and I was keeping good pace. As I approached the last bit my speed went down to 6kph. Need to improve on that. I looked round and the 2 Mark's were way back.. I got to the top of the hill and waited for them. I started my watch so I could deduct the time from my end time. Five mins later and they're at the top looking a lot sweatier than when they started. They both commented how unfit they felt.

Farleigh Wallop Hill

We pushed on and the next bit was a welcoming downhill sprint towards Beggarwood.  Got up to about 55kph.. Was getting a little nervous thinking how bad my legs would look if I came off..  The rest of the ride was great, mostly downhill and at a good pace. The boys were a lot slower but I think a combination of fitness and bike style would help them no end.

Got back in 53 mins and deducted 6 mins off for waiting time. 47 mins for 10 miles. Not great and need to be doing half again in the same time. Set out for my 6k run and felt really good. The weather was beautiful and as I approached the half way mark I checked my time and was encouraged to see I was doing the same time as earlier in the week. I ran on and finished at a 28.38. That was 9 seconds faster than the Tuesday one.. Really happy with that. Felt amazing, no tired legs and reckoned I could of gone back out on the bike..

This is what it takes....

So 'weigh in day' today and I have managed to lose another 3lbs. That is a total of 9lbs in 5 weeks. I'm feeling fitter and people are starting to comment that I look better. Well worth all the effort. As I write this two days later I have now lost another 2lbs. Wasn't my official weigh in day but I was worried I had put on after my Saturday drinking session. Bit scary really and I think at some stage soon I will have to return my diet to a normal 2500 calories per day..  I currently weigh 12st 8lbs. I was 13st 5lbs when I started.

I gave away some of my "large" clothes to my Brother at the weekend and have started wearing what used to be "tighter" items of clothing.. Think I may need to get some new clothes soon. So looking back over February I see what has enabled me to lose weight. The image below comes from the software I use to monitor my workouts.

As you can see I have done quite a bit and I intend to keep that up and at the same time increase distance and speed. I also want to do at least 2 swims per week. Stats for February are below;

Running: 58.66k (36.6 miles)
Cycling: 190k (118 miles)
Swimming: 4.35k (2.7 miles)

Aim to increase that in March...

Can I really swim a mile?

So tonight I would like to see if I can swim a mile. That's 64 lengths of the pool. To date the most I have swam is 54 but that was with two stops.. I fuel up and set off. Its pretty hard counting lengths when you know you have so many to go.. I'm always analysing things, I get to 20 lengths and think can you do that two more times.. At 30 I'm feeling good. Really busy in the pool tonight and lots of old women doing the usual one length and then rest.. Grrr

So when I reach 32 I see Darran and say "Half a mile done..." I carry on and get to the 54 mark.. I haven't stopped now and my goggles are starting to hurt my eyes.. They are total rubbish.. Need a new pair. I reach 60 and my arms are now feel heavy.. I push on and do the final 4.. Wow.. I did it.. Feel really great and what's more after a few mins rest I know I could do more. (I didn't)

I get home and tell Marie about my acheivment and explain that the goggles caused me more pain than anything else.. The little sweetheart has only gone and bought me a pair of triathlon goggles.. Love her.

So now I have reached a mile I think I'll leave it there for the distance challenge.. Now to improve technique and speed. I did the mile in 38 mins without any stops. I'm sure with a bit of training and better goggles I can smash that. Watch this space.